Yanggakdo Hotel

Pyongyang


The tallest building in the country, this mid-'90s tower on its own island right in the middle of Pyongyang is where nearly all tour groups stay. The rooms are showing their age, but they are spacious and comfortable, with great views over the city from most and hot water in the mornings and evenings.

As well as a pool and sauna, there are numerous restaurants, a microbrewery, a bowling alley, a billiards hall, a karaoke lounge, several shops and a casino. One advantage of the Yanggakdo is that you can wander around outside without your guides as the grounds are so large, something you aren’t able to do in other Pyongyang hotels.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Pyongyang attractions

1. Party Founding Museum

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Located on the southern slope of Haebang Hill is this museum that originally housed the Central Committee of the Korean Workers’ Party, as well as Kim Il…

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This large gallery on Kim Il-sung Square is worth a visit to see the postwar socialist-realist art collection. There are 14 rooms of prewar Korean art…

3. Kim Il-sung Square

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4. Tower of the Juche Idea

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5. Grand People's Study House

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6. Korean Central History Museum

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The Korean Central History Museum is all rather predictable – a large number of exhibits about the North's struggle against imperialism and oppression.

7. Taedong Gate

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This was the eastern gate of the ancient walled city of Pyongyang, built in the 6th century to defend the entrance to the inner fortress from the Taedong…

8. Potong Gate

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The western gate of the original walled city of Pyongyang dates from the 6th century, but was rebuilt in the 15th century and then again in 1955.